Nike Uses Data To Update Magista Soccer Cleat For A Closer Fit

Nike has revamped one of its classic soccer shoe silhouettes. The new Magista Obra 2 cleat, available now on Nike’s website, was designed to emphasize “evolution in touch and traction,” the brand explained in a release.

Working from the original Magista silhouette and its mid-height collar and Nike Flyknit technology, Nike designer Phil Woodman sought to further the boot’s tactility and “tighten the gap between the brain and ball.”

“We were focused on sensory amplification through feel,” Woodman said in the release. “By delivering a better feel for the ball, players are able to confidently create on the pitch without distraction.”

Data drawn from testing the parts of the foot most sensitive to touch was used to create a foot model in the form of a heat map, which detailed areas of high sensation, effectiveness and engagement.

The design process also involved 3-D printed test uppers that simulated the organic extension of the foot by using the knit texture with peaks in areas aligned with where the foot most comes in contact with a soccer ball.

German soccer player Mario Götze with the new Magista 2.Courtesy of Nike.

“This is the next step in the application of Nike Flyknit,” Woodman said. In describing the difference between the original Magista and its successor, he added, “The pixel precision of Flyknit makes it possible for us to create dimension without adding weight or overlays. We used to build texture atop the upper, now the upper itself is textured.”

Nike Magista Obra 2 soccer cleats.Courtesy of Nike.

The tongue-less Magista Obra 2 features light padding under the laces for coverage in this high-contact area. Its heat-map design also reflects the data used to determine the high contact areas.

For those who prefer a design different from the heat-map model, Nike allows the opportunity to customize your own pair of Nike Magista Obra 2’s using Nike iD.